Re: Need advice please

[Guest guest]

Hello

I was hospitalised at Christmas with pain, subsequently diagnosed as cause

being multiple gallstones and pancreatitis. The pancreatitis could have

been caused by the galls stones being stuck, crystallisation, poor

diet/lifestyle - they don't know for sure. I was in for 8 days, given no

dietry advice upon leaving apart from no fats and alcohol. I have had a

follow-up apointment with the consultant who is recommending that I have the

gb removed, as pancreatitis is dangerous and I could end up in hospital for

months if I get a bad attack. I am currently taking Chinese herbs to flush

them out and feel OK, although sometimes I throw up/ am on the loo, etc when

I have inadvertently eaten something disagreable with my body and was going

to try and deal with the stones and threat of pancreatitis with the Chinese

herbs. The consultant is pushing for me to have by gb removed. He said he

couldn't tell me how big the stones are until he hands them to me after the

op, if I have it, and that flushing definitely does not work. The Chinese

doctor said the herbs can work. My GP wants me to have the op because I had

pancreatitis. She has heard of flushing but doesn't know much about it. How

come, then, are some people able to find out the size of their stones and I

can't? Is it because I live in the UK and US scans are different to ours.

I know this is illogical. Does anyone know how I go about getting an x-ray

done privately and how much it would cost? Do I have to be a good girl and do

as I am told and have the gb removed? I want to do the best as I have 3 kids

to think about. Dr gall bladder told me that gallstones don't cause cancer

but you can get gall bladder cancer. I am worried about the consequences of

my final decision. I need to weigh out the pros and cons and wondered if

anyone could provide me with any that I don't know of? They want to do the

op on 3rd June.

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Khawak & Wrench

Thanks for your replies. Had a letter today and the consultant wants me in

for the op on Monday 19th May, 7.00 am , which is a little sooner than the

3rd June date he originally gave me.

The Chinese herbs I am taking are a concoction of about 15 - 20. I do not

know what they all are and will ask and let you know. I must say that I feel

fine taking them, although they taste really grossly bitter! I can feel them

working; it's a bit like the feeling you get when you drink ginger beer, a

sort of warming, antiseptic feel, but around your gall bladder region. I

don't mind the low-fat, no frying/dairy/alcohol diet either. Dandelion

coffee/tea is ok.

It is the pancreatitis that worries me. If I had straight forward gall stones

then I would flush, flush, flush.... and not have the op. Prospect of the

op scares me stupid. I just hate my kids seeing me so poorly when I have an

attack, especially my 5 year old who it seems to be affecting. I just

daren't flush and risk developing pancreatitis again, which is dire - the

pits.

I always do this, think about things too much - typical indecisive Gemini!

I will go and buy the book today and try to decide.

M

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your reply. How did you know when you were having the

pancreatatic attacks? I just had the one and was out of it on morphine for

a while. I just thought it was a gb attack and they could tell it was

pancreatitis by the blood tests for amylase and lipase. Were you hospitalised

or did you throw up bile during your attacks? I can't figure out what pain

is what nowadays, although I haven't had any whilst being on the Chinese

herbs (they make me constipated). If I have the gb removed is there a chance

of the pancreatitis coming back and what other problems can I end up

developing? The doctors just don't tell you enough and I always feel rushed

and under pressure when I see them and then think of my questions after the

event. If I cancel this surgery it will be the second time I have done this

as I had to back out of the first one because of no childcare being available

for my kids.

[Guest guest]

I too had pancreatitis about 6 or 7 times, I did the cleanses and had no

luck. I went to an accupunture/chinese medicine lady and I had really good

success, I had treatments twice a week and had to drink all these herbs,

during the month I saw her I didnt have any attacks ( I was having them at

least twice a week). I stopped going to her because I could no longer afford

it, and my problems came back and after a bad attack of pancreatitis I had

an emergency gb surgery. I have felt much better since, but I now have

Hypoglycemia which I beleive is caused by the pancreatitis, and I do have a

few other problems. You definetly dont have to have your gb removed just

because they tell you to, you should do what you feel is right for you and

do as much research as possible since once its gone you cant get it back.

Pancreatitis is very dangerous and I wouldnt mess with that. It wouldnt hurt

to try the cleanses and other alternatives before having a operation, I

would think that you would have to do the cleanses every so often to keep

the gallbladder cleaned out, and it is still possible to keep developing

stones after surgery as they are formed in the liver. Let me know what you

decide and good luck!!!

>From: SEMMARIA@...

>Reply-gallstones

>gallstones

>Subject: Re: Need advice please

>Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 23:37:08 EDT

>

>

>

>Hello

>

>I was hospitalised at Christmas with pain, subsequently diagnosed as cause

>being multiple gallstones and pancreatitis. The pancreatitis could have

>been caused by the galls stones being stuck, crystallisation, poor

>diet/lifestyle - they don't know for sure. I was in for 8 days, given no

>dietry advice upon leaving apart from no fats and alcohol. I have had a

>follow-up apointment with the consultant who is recommending that I have

>the

>gb removed, as pancreatitis is dangerous and I could end up in hospital

>for

>months if I get a bad attack. I am currently taking Chinese herbs to

>flush

>them out and feel OK, although sometimes I throw up/ am on the loo, etc

>when

>I have inadvertently eaten something disagreable with my body and was going

>to try and deal with the stones and threat of pancreatitis with the Chinese

>herbs. The consultant is pushing for me to have by gb removed. He said

>he

>couldn't tell me how big the stones are until he hands them to me after the

>op, if I have it, and that flushing definitely does not work. The

>Chinese

>doctor said the herbs can work. My GP wants me to have the op because I had

>pancreatitis. She has heard of flushing but doesn't know much about it.

>How

>come, then, are some people able to find out the size of their stones and I

>can't? Is it because I live in the UK and US scans are different to ours.

>I know this is illogical. Does anyone know how I go about getting an

>x-ray

>done privately and how much it would cost? Do I have to be a good girl and

>do

>as I am told and have the gb removed? I want to do the best as I have 3

>kids

>to think about. Dr gall bladder told me that gallstones don't cause

>cancer

>but you can get gall bladder cancer. I am worried about the consequences

>of

>my final decision. I need to weigh out the pros and cons and wondered if

>anyone could provide me with any that I don't know of? They want to do the

>op on 3rd June.

>

>Thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Many mention having pacreatitis...how do you know

> you have that? what are the symptoms?

>

>

,

It's my understanding that that's some pretty nasty stuff to have. I think

it can kill you! And the pain is probably worse than having a GB attack.

Susie

[Guest guest]

> I too had pancreatitis about 6 or 7 times,

Many mention having pacreatitis...how do you know

you have that? what are the symptoms?

L. Meydrech, CN

http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

Health Analyzer:

http://www.mynsp.com/web/meydrech/healthAnalyzer.jsp

mailto:claudiameydrech@...

" A cheerful heart is good medicine " Prov. 17:22a

[Guest guest]

You will know if you get it. You get very sick. Fever, nausea.

I found a way to avoid it. I bought chemstix that test the urine. if you

notice dark urine test it with the strip and see if the bilibrium is elevated.

If so you have a stuck stone.

Go to the dr or use epson salts to dialate the bile duct to help the stone move

out.

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

It sound like you have been through a lot. Pancreatitis is VERY

dangerous. Stones blocking the bile duct can cause it. Sometimes

smaller stones can be more troublesome because they slip out of the

gall bladder and block the duct.

My doc told me I had a stone about 1cm by looking at a sonogram. Not

sure how he was able to tell, but that's what he said. I don't know

if there is any other way to tell the size of the stones.

Maybe your sonogram wasn't clear enough for your doc to see the size?

Although pancreatitis is serious and surgery may be necessary, weigh

all your options. First, look at your lifestyle and see if there is

anything you can change to improve the gall bladder condition. Are

you on birth control pills or HRT? The estrogen in those meds can

cause stones. (I developed them after a year on bc pills.)

Also, how is your diet and exercise? Chinese herbs may help, but I

lifestyle is also important. There is an obvious imbalance in the

body causing the stones. For example, I used to work late a lot and

I didn't sleep well. I then read that the gall bladder does some

emptying at night. Maybe I messed up that process by not sleeping.

I also didn't get enough exercise.

Sometimes surgery is needed depending upon how bad your situation

is. I had to have emergency surgery because my bile duct was blocked

and they said my life was in danger. Again, I wish I had looked into

flushes and lifestyle changes to prevent it. At the same time, the

docs cleared the duct and saved my pancreas, so I am lucky.

I know this is a very tough decision. It is good that you wrote to

this group because the people here know a lot and are very

supportive. Just make sure you examine your situation and get as

much info as possible before going into surgery.

Also, about the cancer, my doc told me that there is no evidence that

stones cause cancer. However, he said most cancerous gall bladders

have stones. I don't know what percent of people get gall bladder

cancer, but I don't think it is high. I would be more concerned

about the pancreatitis, than gall bladder cancer.

I hope you will be okay. I wish you the best of health...Randi

>

> Hello

>

> I was hospitalised at Christmas with pain, subsequently diagnosed

as cause

> being multiple gallstones and pancreatitis. The pancreatitis

could have

> been caused by the galls stones being stuck, crystallisation, poor

> diet/lifestyle - they don't know for sure. I was in for 8 days,

given no

> dietry advice upon leaving apart from no fats and alcohol. I have

had a

> follow-up apointment with the consultant who is recommending that I

have the

> gb removed, as pancreatitis is dangerous and I could end up in

hospital for

> months if I get a bad attack. I am currently taking Chinese herbs

to flush

> them out and feel OK, although sometimes I throw up/ am on the loo,

etc when

> I have inadvertently eaten something disagreable with my body and

was going

> to try and deal with the stones and threat of pancreatitis with the

Chinese

> herbs. The consultant is pushing for me to have by gb removed.

He said he

> couldn't tell me how big the stones are until he hands them to me

after the

> op, if I have it, and that flushing definitely does not work.

The Chinese

> doctor said the herbs can work. My GP wants me to have the op

because I had

> pancreatitis. She has heard of flushing but doesn't know much

about it. How

> come, then, are some people able to find out the size of their

stones and I

> can't? Is it because I live in the UK and US scans are different

to ours.

> I know this is illogical. Does anyone know how I go about getting

an x-ray

> done privately and how much it would cost? Do I have to be a good

girl and do

> as I am told and have the gb removed? I want to do the best as I

have 3 kids

> to think about. Dr gall bladder told me that gallstones don't

cause cancer

> but you can get gall bladder cancer. I am worried about the

consequences of

> my final decision. I need to weigh out the pros and cons and

wondered if

> anyone could provide me with any that I don't know of? They want

to do the

> op on 3rd June.

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I found a way to avoid it. I bought chemstix that test the urine.

>if you notice dark urine test it with the strip and see if the bilibrium

>is elevated. If so you have a stuck stone.

Where do you get the chemstix? Pharmacy? Thanks :-)

L. Meydrech, CN

http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

[Guest guest]

> I just daren't flush and risk developing pancreatitis

> again, which is dire - the pits.

M, I may have missed something...are you saying

that you have flushed and as a result have had

pancreatitis? Have never heard of that happening

before and was wondering.

L. Meydrech, CN

http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

Health Analyzer:

http://www.mynsp.com/web/meydrech/healthAnalyzer.jsp

mailto:claudiameydrech@...

" A cheerful heart is good medicine " Prov. 17:22a

[Guest guest]

Chemstix at pharamacy or web. Be sure to get the ones that test for

bilibrium (bile) . Mine was on web called Chemstix 10

[Guest guest]

Tishri

When I had pancreatitis I had awful, awful pains all over my abdomen, in my

middle back. Painkillers did not work at all. No matter what you do, be it

walk, lie down, you can't relieve the pain. It is worse than gb attacks and

definitely worse than labour/childbirth. The pain went on for days and I had

morphine for it which sends you stupid as you end up hallucinating allsorts

of things. I was violently sick with varying shades of green, bile vomit,

had no controls over the bowels (v embarassing) and I had a really high

temperature/fever and a red, flushed face. I have only every had that one

attack and, apparently, it was very mild! Was in hospital for 8 days over

Christmas. Sorry for being so graphic, no other way to describe it.

M

[Guest guest]

,

No, I haven't flushed yet. Daren't in case I get another attack of

pancreatitis during the flushing period. I have just modified my lifestyle

and cut out the rubbish - and I have consumed some rubbish in my time like

processed food, alcohol, etc. All that has now stopped. Stress also played

a big part in my becoming ill, but I have sort of sorted that out. I have

taken supplements, apple juice, etc. Basically all the stuff you guys have

recommended doing on this site. Have felt much better for it. I am now on

Chinese herbs and feel great. Just feel pressured about the pancreatitis.

but can't really see it happening again if I maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Consultant disagrees. Thanks for caring to reply, it is much appreciated.

[Guest guest]

If you aren't totally ready to have your gallbladder cut out of you on the

19th, then don't do it! Once it is gone, there is no going back. Postpone

it until you feel comfortable in your decision, whatever it is. Remember

that YOU are in charge of your body, not the doctor. Maybe you will decide

to try some more things. They sure didn't give you much time to try

alternatives. It's hard to say because I haven't walked in your shoes, but

if it were me, I would try a flush before submitting to surgery. Why are

they in such a hurry if you are doing OK right now? The cynical side of me

says that $$$ are the motivation, not your health. I'm praying that you

will find your answer and feel better.

<< the consultant wants me in for the op on Monday 19th May, 7.00 am , which

is a little sooner than the 3rd June date he originally gave me...Prospect

of the op scares me stupid.>>

[Guest guest]

,

Sounds like you are doing great things for yourself.

What are the Chinese Herbs you are taking?

L. Meydrech, CN

http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

" A cheerful heart is good medicine " Prov. 17:22a

[Guest guest]

I know I had pancratitis because my amylase was way over 1500 and it is

supposed to somwhere below 200 or 100, I cant remember. When you have so

much backed up it starts to eat away at things and it causes your pancreas

to become inflamed.Thats why you arent supposed to eat if ou have

pancreatitis, because it just releases more enzymes and the body cant get

rid of them as fast if there is a stone blocking the bile duct. The drs say

that pretty much the only time you get pain in your liver or pancreas is

when they are inflamed, and pancreatitis is VERY painful.

>From: " L. Meydrech " <claudiameydrech@...>

>Reply-gallstones

><gallstones >

>Subject: Re: Need advice please

>Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:40:10 -0500

>

> > I too had pancreatitis about 6 or 7 times,

>

>Many mention having pacreatitis...how do you know

>you have that? what are the symptoms?

>

> L. Meydrech, CN

>http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

>http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

>Health Analyzer:

>http://www.mynsp.com/web/meydrech/healthAnalyzer.jsp

>mailto:claudiameydrech@...

> " A cheerful heart is good medicine " Prov. 17:22a

>

>

_________________________________________________________________

STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[Guest guest]

>From: Tishri7@...

>Reply-gallstones

>gallstones

>Subject: Re: Need advice please

>Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 15:04:13 EDT

>

>

> > Many mention having pacreatitis...how do you know

> > you have that? what are the symptoms?

> >

> >

>

>

>,

>It's my understanding that that's some pretty nasty stuff to have. I think

>it can kill you! And the pain is probably worse than having a GB attack.

>Susie

>

>Yes it can kill you, people still die from gallbladder related pancretitis.

>One time when I was hospitalized with it I couldnt stay because I didnt

>have anyone to take care of my 2 month old son and I kept telling the Dr I

>couldnt stay and he refused to let me leave until my amylase went down and

>I ended up having to sign myself out against medical advise and lots of

>warnings and I had to pay the bill because the insurance refused to pay

>because I left AMA. So yes it is very dangerous and now I suffer from other

>problems becuase of it. so its not something to mess with!!!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I knew I was having pancreatitis because my amylase was very high. After

awhile I just could tell the difference in the pain. When it was really bad

I would go to the ER and they would always want to dope me up with morphine,

I always refused because I was pregnant. I also did throw up lots of bile,

and everytime I ate anything I would throw up. I was hospitalised a few

times and they wouldnt let me eat or drink for days, then I could only have

a liquid diet for awhile, I was very miserable, especially when I was

pregnant. Pancreatitis is very serious, I ended up getting my gb removed in

emergency because I had pancreatitis so many times they told me that I was

at very high risk for developing diabetes and/or pancreatic cancer, and it

was probable that I had damaged my pancreas already after having

pancreatitis so many times. I would think it is still possible to have

pancreatitis after gb removal because it is still possible to still have

stones. I havent gotten it back though. I think it is also possible to have

it come back even if you just had it once. Almost everyone Ive talked to

thats had theirs removed has some sort of problem with their bowels

afterward, probably from the bile having nowhere to store. Dont feel rushed

or pressured, I took more than 6 months to decide the fate of my gb. You

could cancel a thousand times and they would still take you back, after all

they are making tons of money off this!! I would try everything first. I do

have problems that I beleive are from lack of a gb, but for me personally it

is nothing compared to having a gb attack twice a week and not being able to

take care of my son. I didnt have any attacks either while taking chinese

herbs and having accupuncture treatments, I just couldnt afford to go

anymore, although I wonder if i would have kept at it if it would have

worked. Also I suggest that you write down all the questions as you think of

them to ask your dr when you see them. Its always best to make an informed

decision. I think this group is proof that it does work for some people, but

you should weigh the risks if you are having pancreatitis. I also recommend

juicing, it is easier on the stomach and you can get alot of nutrition from

it,and you can juice just about everything!!!!Sorry Ive written so much!!

good luck!!!!!

>From: SEMMARIA@...

>Reply-gallstones

>gallstones

>Subject: Re: Need advice please

>Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 12:18:29 EDT

>

>

>

>

>Thank you for your reply. How did you know when you were having the

>pancreatatic attacks? I just had the one and was out of it on morphine

>for

>a while. I just thought it was a gb attack and they could tell it was

>pancreatitis by the blood tests for amylase and lipase. Were you

>hospitalised

>or did you throw up bile during your attacks? I can't figure out what pain

>is what nowadays, although I haven't had any whilst being on the Chinese

>herbs (they make me constipated). If I have the gb removed is there a

>chance

>of the pancreatitis coming back and what other problems can I end up

>developing? The doctors just don't tell you enough and I always feel

>rushed

>and under pressure when I see them and then think of my questions after the

>event. If I cancel this surgery it will be the second time I have done

>this

>as I had to back out of the first one because of no childcare being

>available

>for my kids.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had this prioblem once and was determined to never let it happen again. Here

is what I recommend:

Background:

Stuck stones cause bile to back up in the bloodstream, this causes bile to be

excreted by urine. Urine turns dark brown or dark yellow.

If you notice a change in urine color, test the urine. If Bilibrium levels are

above zero then do a flush to unstick the stone and take epson salts.

___

I use the Chemstick 10 urine strips I bought on the web. They test for 10

different things including bilibrium.

___

If you are paranoid, you could test daily. Cause it might take a few days for a

stuck stone to cause the levels to change in the urine.

___

It has worked for me.

[Guest guest]

> read what Dr. says about fennugreek for pancreas!

Alan, Can you give me a link to what Dr. says? I

don't like looking through so many links...I take fenugreek

quite regularly and would like to see what it says :-)

Thanks, Alan!

L. Meydrech, CN

http://nutritionist.tripod.com/gallbladder.html ~ My Flushes

http://www.mynsp.com/meydrech

Health Analyzer:

http://www.mynsp.com/web/meydrech/healthAnalyzer.jsp

mailto:claudiameydrech@...

" A cheerful heart is good medicine " Prov. 17:22a